§ 54. Major HILLSasked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that the recent Report on the Public Trustee's office recommends increases of fees, in some eases amounting to three and four times the present scale; and, since such a proceeding will gravely prejudice and may even be fatal to this useful public office, he will allow the House an early opportunity of discussing the matter before action is taken, which opportunity might be given on the Estimates or some other occasion convenient to the Government?
§ Mr. BON AR LAWThis Report is receiving careful consideration. Section 9 (4) of the Public Trustee Act provides that the fees shall be arranged from time to time so as to cover all expenses of the office, and in view of the serious deficit existing at present, I fear that I cannot undertake to postpone action in the matter, as suggested.
§ Major HILLSMay we have some chance of discussion?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWBefore action is taken?
§ Major HILLSI would rather have it before.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIt can come before if there is a general desire for it.